Hospice nurses' perceptions of their patients' physicians.
Traditional medical education has not included preparation in the care of terminally ill patients. Hospices could supplement training by offering seminars and experience in the philosophy and treatment of palliative care. A survey of 45 home hospice nurses in Colorado was undertaken to identify the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the physicians with whom they worked. Of the 21 questions asked, flexibility in ordering laxatives and ordering oral analgesics received significantly high scores (p less than .05). Support of patients' families, knowledge of hospice insurance, and making home visits to patients received significantly low scores (p less than .05). Physicians in communities with larger populations and with a larger percent of physicians who were oncologists were rated in all questions significantly higher (p less than .05) than those in smaller populations with fewer oncologists. In order to facilitate incorporation of hospice concepts into medical education, a review is given of existing collaborative efforts between hospices and medical schools to illustrate implementation of such programs.
Bakemeier
A H
AH
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003120:Colorado; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000592:standards; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D010820:Physicians / Q000592:standards*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000592:standards*